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What the papers say

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DRINK AND GET PAID for it? Volunteers have been lining up for one of the more pleasant psychology experiments in BIOLS. Experimental psychologist Ruth Weissenborn has been studying the effects of alcohol on memory (Guardian), particularly state-dependent memory. Here, things learned under the influence are more readily remembered during subsequent drinking. Liquid lunchers please take note.

SNOBBERY, RACISM and lashings of ginger beer have been watered down. Castigated author Enid Blyton, who would have been 100 years old this summer, has finally been "forgiven by the literary Establishment" according to CCS lecturer Nicholas Tucker (Evening Standard). Blyton's immensely popular children's books have been condemned for portraying a white, middle-class world with working-class or black villians. Today's Noddy and Famous Five are squeaky-clean and PC.

THIS LEAVES TELETUBBIES as the focus of recent hype. Tinky Winky - the purple one - has been described as "the first role model Britain's queer toddlers have ever had" (Time Out). This unusual quote comes from Andy Medhurst, lecturer in Media Studies, who referred to Tinky Winky's large handbag and mincing gait.

WILY SCHEDULERS at the BBC have again hampered the ongoing quest to bring quality television to the general public. Prof Sir Harry Kroto's Vega Science Trust produced a "refreshingly rounded view of the science of mad cow disease" to quote Roger Highfield in the Telegraph. All very well, but not many people would be watching BBC2's Learning Zone at 4.30 in the morning. Learn to program your videos - you have been warned.

UPPER PALEOLITHIC MAN was possibly the first to enjoy oral sex, according to Brian Spratt & John Maynard Smith (Observer). Certain types of throat bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis) are related to the gonorrhoea bacterium (Neisseria gonorrhoea) suggesting the disease developed via oral sex. The disease was most likely to have proliferated between 10,000 and 15,000 BC, a period when people first began to live in large groups and have more sexual partners.

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Friday October 10th 1997